With a crispy outer layer and succulent, juicy meat inside, these air fryer turkey thighs are not only a culinary delight but also a breeze to prepare.

In under 30 minutes, you can serve up this mouthwatering meal that pairs wonderfully with your favorite sides. Whether it's a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises satisfaction in every bite.

You may also like my other turkey recipes like instant pot turkey stew, air fryer turkey cutlets and turkey liver recipe.

Do you want a delicious turkey dinner? Or its Thanksgiving and you don't need to cook for a large crowd, only for you and your family? I got you covered, try this juicy air fryer turkey thighs, they are ready in less then 30 minutes and the skin is flavorful and crispy!

Both turkey thighs and turkey breast are an excellent source of lean protein. Thighs contain three times more fat that breast that results in more calories per serving.

Dark turkey meat is delicious and has more minerals and vitamins. If you want to cook a healthiest version of it, cut the skin off. Skin is where most of the fat and calories are located.

How to make air fryer turkey thighs

This recipe is very easy and will require just few simple steps.

Wash and pat dry turkey. Make sure that the skin is dry and there is no moisture. Moist skin will take forever to crisp so its very important for crispy skin.

Combine spices in a small bowl and stir them well. Add more or less of your favorite herbs. I rubbed thighs in my favorite combination of Italian herbs with garlic, paprika and salt.

Rub thighs with rub. Cover in entirely and even rub some under the skin for more flavor.

Place turkey in the air fryer and heat it to 390 degrees. Cook for about 25 to 30 minutes. There is no need to flip thighs or even move them around.

You can cook more then one thigh at a time. Standard air fryer basket will fit 2 or 3 thighs no problem. Or even 4 if thighs are not too big. Always leave space between to allow air to circulate properly.

Some thighs are bigger then other so change cooking time accordingly. I highly recommend investing it instant meat thermometer. Its a life saver! Turkey just like chicken should be cooked till internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

It might be lots of fat on the bottom of air fryer basket. Be careful so i doesn't splash you and don't burn your hands.

Recipe ingredients

1. Turkey Thigh: This is the main protein source in the dish. Turkey thighs are a darker meat, which means they tend to be more flavorful and juicier than the breast. They also have a slightly higher fat content, ensuring the meat doesn't dry out during the cooking process.
2. Salt: A fundamental seasoning, salt enhances the natural flavors of the turkey and other ingredients. It helps in breaking down some of the meat fibers, making it tender and juicier.
3. Thyme: Thyme is a delicate herb with tiny green leaves. It's often used in poultry dishes for its subtle, earthy flavor that complements the meat without overpowering it.
4. Oregano: Another herb commonly found in Mediterranean cuisine, oregano offers a slightly bitter and pungent flavor, with a hint of sweetness. It pairs well with meats and elevates the overall taste of the dish.
5. Rosemary: With its pine-like, aromatic flavor, rosemary is a great complement to poultry. It's slightly woody in texture but when cooked, especially with meat, it imparts a wonderful flavor that's both fresh and slightly peppery.
6. Garlic Powder: Providing a milder flavor than fresh garlic, garlic powder infuses the dish with a warm and slightly spicy undertone. It's a staple in many savory dishes for its ability to enhance flavors and add depth.
7. Paprika: Paprika is made from dried and ground red peppers. It adds a smoky flavor to dishes and imparts a rich, reddish color. In the context of the turkey thigh recipe, it will lend a gentle heat and a vibrant hue to the outer layer of the meat.

Can i cook it from frozen

You can make air fryer turkey thighs or drumsticks from frozen. Place frozen bird in the air fryer basket, and heat it to 390 degrees. Cook for extra 10 minutes. Halfway through drain the air fryer. It will collect some liquid that came from thawing turkey thighs.

If you will leave that juice in the basket, turkey will be steamed instead of fried. Important for crispy skin!

Internal temperature

Poultry needs to be cooked till its internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Turkey is not an exception. Most likely if you will slightly overcook it, it still will be juicy. Thanks to a high fat content.

Honestly i hardly ever cook chicken or turkey without using internal thermometer. It gives you the confidence and your bird is always juicy and cooked to perfection.

Serving suggestions

You can totally eat turkey by itself but to compete the meal add some sides. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Steamed broccoli. This is a probably the healthiest choice to pair with turkey thighs.
2. Mashed potatoes and gravy. If you are making this dish for Thanksgiving, potatoes are the must. Turkey with potatoes and gravy, oh my, its so delicious!
3. White rice. This is classics side dish for any kind of bird. Chop some green onions on top and serve in a bowl.
4. Sauteed vegetables. Another healthy low carb choice for late dinner. Try to saute eggplant, zucchinis, onions and mushrooms together for 10-15 minutes. Add some garlic and Italian herbs and you are good to go!
5. Mashed butternut squash, this recipe is for pressure cooker and is so easy to make. Holidays favorite.

If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them in the recipe instead of dry spices. Also rosemary looks amazing on a serving dish, no matter if you cook this air fryer turkey thighs during the year or for Thanksgiving dinner.

Frequently asked questions

Can i make this recipe in Ninja foodi

If you follow my blog for a while you know that I make many Ninja Foodi recipes. From roasted salsas to pot roasts. Try my latest creation bacon wrapped Ninja foodi pork tenderloin, i guarantee you will fall in love with this recipe as much as i did.

Back to the subject, you can absolutely make this recipe in Ninja Foodi air fryer. Follow the instructions exactly and you will get yummy crispy skin turkey thighs.

Expert tips

1. Paprika adds lots of beautiful color to thighs so add as much as you want.
2. Make sure that the skin is completely dry before cooking, extra moisture will prevent skin from getting crispy.
3. You can cook more then one thigh at a time. Typically air fryer will fit up to 4 turkey thighs at once, depending on the size. Cooking time will remain the same, as long as there is space between turkey in the basket for the air to circulate.
4. 1 big turkey thigh will feed two people, with sides.

Leftovers

Store turkey leftovers in a airtight container in the fridge. You can also put them in a bowl and tightly cover it with foil. Thighs will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

To reheat just place legs back in the air fryer and heat on 400 degrees for about 5 minutes. Wipe skin with paper towels before reheating and it will get crispy again

More turkey recipes

• Instant pot turkey thighs
• Air fryer turkey wings
• Baked turkey wings
• Instant pot turkey legs with gravy
• Turkey tenderloin in air fryer
• Peruvian turkey
• Turkey knuckles recipe
• How to make turkey wings fall off the bone

Hope you will like this turkey thighs air fryer recipe as much as we do. Please rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.